Improvements in and relating to an article of luggage

ABSTRACT

An article of luggage ( 2 ) is disclosed comprising a first portion (( 4 ), ( 104 ), ( 204 ), ( 304 ), ( 404 )), a second portion (( 6 ), ( 106 ), ( 206 ), ( 306 ), ( 406 )), the first and second portions being hingedly connected for movement between a closed position and an open position, and a zip fastener (( 50 ), ( 150 ), ( 250 ), ( 350 ), ( 450 )) for releasably securing the first portion (( 4 ), ( 104 ), ( 204 ), ( 304 ), ( 404 )) of the article of luggage to the second portion (( 6 ), ( 106 ), ( 206 ), ( 306 ), ( 406 )) of the article of luggage in the closed position to define an internal storage volume between the first and second portions of the article of luggage, in which the article of luggage further comprises retention means (( 60 ), ( 160 ), ( 260 ), ( 360 ), ( 460 )) in use extending across the zip fastener (( 50 ), ( 150 ), ( 250 ), ( 350 ), ( 450 )) and in part permanently secured to one of the first and second portions. It is an advantage that this construction allows for the first and second portions of the article of luggage easily to be zipped together while providing additional means to keep the first and second portions of the article of luggage together in the event of failure of the zip mechanism.

This invention relates to improvements in and relating to an improved article of luggage and in particular to retaining securely a user's belongings during transit.

It is known to provide articles of luggage having an internal volume for storage and transport of a user's belongings. Such articles of luggage are typically of two types: hard (in which the internal storage volume is defined between two complementary moulded portions) or soft (in which the internal storage volume is defined between a base portion, which may or may not be supported on a frame, and a lid portion). Generally a hard article of luggage is designed to resist penetration by sharp objects such as needles or the like.

In each instance, the first and second portions of the article of luggage are connected to one another by a hinge to allow relative movement of the first and second portions to provide access to the internal storage volume by a user and the first and second portions can be secured against relative movement by the use of a zip fastener.

Generally, in use, when the article of luggage is stored or when towed, the zip fastener is subject to forces well within its tolerance. However, on occasion, for example when being loaded or unloaded from a vehicle, for example from the hold of an aircraft, an impact can arise the forces of which causes the teeth of the zip fastener to part and the zip to unfasten. This may then result in the first and second portions of the article of luggage coming apart and the user's belongings escaping the internal storage volume. This is clearly undesirable.

The zip fastener is particularly vulnerable to damage when the article of luggage is over filled, and as such, when the zip fails the inconvenience to the user is particularly severe.

It is an advantage of the present invention that it is still allows for the first and second portions of the article of luggage easily to be zipped together while providing additional means to keep the first and second portions of the article of luggage together in the event of failure of the zip mechanism.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an article of luggage comprises a first portion, a second portion, the first and second portions being hingedly connected for movement between a closed position and an open position, and a zip fastener for releasably securing the first portion of the article of luggage to the second portion of the article of luggage in the closed position to define an internal storage volume between the first and second portions of the article of luggage, in which the article of luggage further comprises retention means in use extending across the zip fastener and in part permanently secured to one of the first and second portions.

Preferably, the retention means comprises a strap having a first end and a second end.

More preferably, the respective ends of the retention means are provided with complementary connecting means.

Yet more preferably the complementary connecting means comprises one of the following:

complementary elements of a buckle or snap fit buckle loops for connection to a lock

complementary elements of a lock buckle or

complementary elements of a combination lock buckle.

More preferably, the retention means is secured to each of the first and second portions.

Preferably the retention means is permanently secured to one or both of the first and second portions by stitching.

Alternatively, or additionally, the retention means is permanently secured to one or both of the first and second portions by riveting.

Preferably the article of luggage is further provided with locating means for locating parts of the retention means not permanently secured in place.

Preferably, when the ends of the retention means are secured together, the retention means encircles the article of luggage.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, in relation to the attached Figures, in which

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a first article of luggage in accordance with the present invention, with elements of the invention shown in enlarged portions;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the first article of luggage illustrated in FIG. 1, with elements of the invention shown in enlarged portions;

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of a second article of luggage in accordance with the present invention, with elements of the invention shown in enlarged portions;

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the second article of luggage illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of a third article of luggage similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of a fourth article of luggage similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a fifth article of luggage in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 8 shows a first rear perspective view of an article of luggage similar to that illustrated in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 shows a second rear perspective view of the article of luggage illustrated in FIG. 8.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there can be seen a first article of luggage 2 in accordance with the present invention. The article of luggage 2 comprises a first portion 4 and a second portion 6.

The first portion 4 comprises a generally box like structure having a rear panel 10, left side panel 12, right side panel 16, top panel 14 and base panel 18. The panels 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 are secured together in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 are supported on a frame (not shown). A towing handle 30 is shown the side limbs of which telescopically engage with rear elements of the frame. Carrying handles 32, 34 are shown connected to the top panel and right side panel. Wheel assemblies 36 are provided to the rear of the article of luggage, preferable engaging with a rear part of the frame. Feet 38 are provided at the front of the base panel 18 of the article of luggage 2, allowing the article of luggage 2 to stand when not being towed.

The second portion 6 comprises a panel 22. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper luggage storage area 40 and a lower luggage storage area 42 are provided on the panel 22. Each of the upper luggage storage area 40 and the lower luggage storage area 42 may be accessed and closed by way of a respective zip fastener 41, 43.

The first portion 4 and the second portion 6 are connected by a hinge to allow a user to move the first and second portions 4, 6 with respect to one another. In the illustrated embodiment this is located at the front of the left side panel 12 and connects to the left hand side of the second portion 6.

First and second mating elements of a zip fastener 50 extend around the first and second portions 4, 6 such that a user can releasably secure the first portion 4 of the article of luggage 2 to the second portion 6 of the article of luggage 2 in a closed position. In the closed position the first and second portions 4, 6 of the article of luggage 2 define an internal storage volume. By undoing the zip fastener 50 a user can obtain access to the internal storage volume.

The article of luggage 2 further comprises a retention means 60. In the illustrated embodiment this is in the form of a strap having first and second ends.

Stiches 64 attach the strap 62 to the rear panel 10 of the first portion 4 (FIG. 2). In this way the strap 62 is permanently secured to the article of luggage 2.

The phrase “permanently secured” as used herein means that in the absence of interference the retention means 60 is secured to the article of luggage 2 for the working commercial life of the article of luggage 2.

In the illustrated embodiments, the left and right side panels 12, 16 of the first portion 4 of the article of luggage 2 are provided with locating means in the form of loops 68 or the like stitched to the side panels. Since the strap 62 passes under the side carry handle 34 on the right side panel 16, the loop 68 on this panel can be seen to be optional.

Further locating means in the form of loops 68 are provided on the second portion 6. In the illustrated embodiment the locating loops 68 are located between the upper luggage storage area 40 and the lower luggage storage area 42.

The first and second ends of the retention means 60 may be releasably secured together by any suitable complementary connecting means. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends of the retention means 60 are releasably secured by way of the complementary elements of a combination lock buckle 70. It can be seen that when the complementary connecting means are secured to one another, the retention means 60 encircles the article of luggage 2, thereby providing an additional level of security for the user's belongings stored within the internal storage volume.

The phrase “user's belongings” is used to refer to all articles placed within the internal storage volume.

Even in the event of failure of the zip mechanism 50, the retention means 60 encircling the article of luggage 2 acts to keep the first and second portions 4, 6 of the article of luggage 2 in position relative to one another to prevent, or at least minimise the likelihood of, the user's belongings escaping the internal storage volume.

A further advantage is provided in that by permanently securing the retention means 60 to the article of luggage, the retention means cannot work loose from the article of luggage 2 should the zip mechanism 50 fail.

Since the retention means 60 is permanently secured to the article of luggage it is always to hand for the user to fasten when closing the article of luggage 2. Thus, intuitively the user is encouraged to use this feature.

Further by manufacturing the strap 62 of a different colour to the colour of the first and second portions 4, 6 of the article of luggage 2 a contrast can be provided enabling a user readily to recognise their own article of luggage when collecting this, for example on an airport baggage carousel.

In this embodiment, the combination lock buckles are provided after threading of the strap through the loops. The complementary elements of the buckle are larger than the loops and prevents the elements (and the ends of the straps) passing through the loops. Alternatively, the complementary elements at the ends of the retention means and the loops may be suitably sized to allow passage of the complementary elements through the loops.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, an article of luggage similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be seen. Like parts will be referred to by like reference numerals, save that in this embodiment the reference numerals are increased by 100.

In this embodiment the towing handle 130 is provided as a separate element and does not engage with the framework defining the first portion 104 of the article of luggage (there need not be such a framework in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the second portion 106 is not provided with additional upper and lower luggage storage areas.

This embodiment also shows the retention means 160 permanently secured to the article of luggage 2, by stitching of the retention means 160 to a rear panel 110 of the first portion 104 of the article of luggage 102.

In the illustrated embodiments, the left and right side panels 112, 116 of the first portion 104 of the article of luggage 102 are provided with locating means in the form of loops 168 stitched to the side panels. Since the strap passes under the carry handle 134 on the right side panel 116, the loop on this panel can be seen to be optional.

Further locating means in the form of loops 168 are provided on the second portion 106.

The first and second ends of the retention 160 means may be relaseably secured together by any suitable complementary connecting means. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends of the retention means are relaseably secured by way of the complementary elements of a lock buckle 170.

In FIG. 5 a variation of the case shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown. Like parts will be referred to by like reference numerals, save that in this embodiment the reference numerals are increased by 200.

In this embodiment the towing handle 230 is again provided as a separate element and does not engage with the framework defining the first portion 204 of the article of luggage (and again there need not be such a framework in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the second portion 206 also is not provided with additional upper and lower luggage storage areas.

In this embodiment, the retention means 260 is permanently secured to the article of luggage, by stitching of the retention means to the left side panel 212 of the first portion 204 of the article of luggage 202. This embodiment does not have the locating means on the right side panel, but locating loops 268 are provided on the rear panel.

It will be understood that the retention means may alternatively be stitched to the left side panel, with the locating means being retained on the right side panel.

In FIG. 6 a further variation of the cases shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and in FIG. 5 is shown. Like parts will be referred to by like reference numerals, save that in this embodiment the reference numerals are increased by 300.

In this embodiment also the towing handle 330 is provided as a separate element and does not engage with the framework defining the first portion 302 of the article of luggage (again there need not be such a framework in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the second portion 304 is again not provided with additional upper and lower luggage storage areas.

This embodiment shows the retention means 360 permanently secured to the article of luggage, by stitching of the retention means 360 to the second portion 306 of the article of luggage 302.

In further embodiments (not shown) the retention means may be secured in different regions to each of the first and second portions. Such embodiments minimise the need to attach multiple locating means for the retention means.

In FIG. 7, an article of luggage formed of first and second portions in the form of complementary moulded shells is shown. Like parts will be referred to by like reference numerals, save that in this embodiment the reference numerals are increased by 400.

Each shell 404, 406 can be seen to include a major face 410, 420 bounded by an upper face 414, 424, a right side face 416, 426, a base face 418, 428 and a left side face 412, 422. A telescopic towing handle 430 is shown to the rear of the article of luggage, that is within a first portion 404 of the article of luggage. Wheel assemblies 436 are provided at the lower corners of each of the first portion of the article of luggage. In FIG. 7 an upper carry handle 432 is located on an upper face 414 of the first portion of the article of luggage. A side carry handle 434 is provided on the right side panel 416 of the first portion 404 of the article of luggage 402.

The first portion 404 and the second portion 406 are connected by a hinge to allow a user to move the first and second portions 404, 406 with respect to one another. In the illustrated embodiment this is located at the front of the left side panel of the first portion and connects to the left side panel of the second portion.

First and second mating elements of a zip fastener 450 extend around the first and second portions such that a user can releasably secure the first portion 404 of the article of luggage to the second portion 404 of the article of luggage in a closed position. In the closed position the first and second portions 404, 406 of the article of luggage define an internal storage volume. By undoing the zip fastener 450 a user can obtain access to the storage volume within each of the first portion and the second portions 404, 406.

The article of luggage further comprises a retention means 460. In the illustrated embodiment this is in the form of a strap 462 having first and second ends.

Any suitable means may be used to securely fasten the retention means 460 to the moulded shells of the first and second portions 404, 406 of the article of luggage 402. In the illustrated embodiment the retention means is secured by way of first and second sets of rivets 464. In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of rivets secures the retention means 460 to the major face 420 of the second portion and the second set of rivets secures the retention means 460 to the right side panel 416 of the first portion 404 in the region of the side carry handle 434.

First and second ends of the retention means 460 are provided with complementary parts of a snap lock buckle 470 to releasably secure the first and second ends of the retention means 460 together and thereby encircle the article of luggage 402.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is similar to that of FIG. 7, save that an upper carry handle is located on an upper face of the second portion of the article of luggage. Like parts carry like reference numerals, save that in this embodiment the reference numerals are increased by 500.

The retention means 560 extends from the hinge 544 around the first and section portions 504, 506. Such that the free ends are secured together by suitable complementary connections means.

The retention means 560 may take the form of a single strap stitched into the flexible material of the hinge or separate straps stitched into the respective side edges of the hinge. In each case the retention means may be considered to encircle, or at least substantially encircle, the article of luggage 502. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of luggage comprises a first portion, a second portion, the first and second portions being hingedly connected for movement between a closed position and an open position, and a zip fastener for releasably securing the first portion of the article of luggage to the second portion of the article of luggage in the closed position to define an internal storage volume between the first and second portions of the article of luggage, in which the article of luggage further comprises retention means in use extending across the zip fastener and in part permanently secured to one of the first and second portions.
 2. An article of luggage according to claim 1, in which the retention means comprises a strap having a first end and a second end.
 3. An article of luggage according to claim 2, in which the retention means is provided with complementary connecting means.
 4. An article of luggage according to claim 3, in which the complementary connecting means comprises one of the following: complementary elements of a buckle or snap fit buckle loops for connection to a lock complementary elements of a lock buckle or complementary elements of a combination lock buckle.
 5. An article of luggage according to claim 1, in which the retention means is secured to each of the first and second portions.
 6. An article of luggage according to claim 1, in which the retention means is permanently secured to one or both of the first and second portions by stitching.
 7. An article of luggage according to claim 1, in which the retention means is permanently secured to one or both of the first and second portions by riveting.
 8. An article of luggage according to claim 1, in which the article of luggage is further provided with locating means for locating parts of the retention means not permanently secured in place.
 9. An article of luggage according to claim 1, in which when the ends of the retention means are secured together, the retention means encircles the article of luggage.
 10. An article of luggage substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings. 